Fun Doesn't Cost a Thing

By Cara Aungst on June 13, 2016

The State Theatre will continue its Read It, Watch It tradition this summer with free movies on Wednesdays at noon. This year’s series will include Up, The Lego Movie, Ratatouille, Stuart Little, and more top notch kids’ movies.

Another favorite spot for family fun is Northland Bowl, and kids can bowl for free this summer! To register, click here. Northland Bowl offers daily specials, including unlimited bowling from open to 5 p.m. on weekdays. As a bonus, they always have food and drink specials going on.

For the art enthusiast, check out the Palmer Museum of Art for a free cultural experience while campus is still calm. On Sundays, the museum offers Docent Choice Tours at 2 p.m.

Music lovers will be thrilled to learn Lemont Village hosts free Concerts on the Village Green every Friday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Instead of splurging on a dinner out, pack a picnic basket and head over to Lemont for an entertaining evening.

As always, our favorite restaurants are serving up specials even that are hard to resist, even for the penny pinchers among us. We love Gigi’s express lunch menu – pick two items from a list of favorites like a fish taco or pulled pork slider for $9. Plus, $2 off apps and $1 off drafts makes for a very happy Happy Hour.

Otto’s daily specials are definitely worth marking on your calendar. Burgers are half off on Monday nights from 8 – 10 p.m. If you don’t get your burger fix on Monday (or if you just can’t get enough), the Corner Room runs its half-price burger special every Thursday night.

I know what you’re thinking: what about wings? You’ve got plenty of bargain options for this all-American appetizer. Start your week out right on Monday – it’s Wing Night at Home D Pizzeria from 5 p.m. to close. Champs Sports Grill offers 50-cent wings on Thursday nights. And at Bill Pickle’s Tap Room, wings and pickles are half-off daily from 2 – 4 p.m.

With outdoor adventures available at every juncture sans price tag (think Whipple Dam, Mount Nittany, Tudek Park, and so much more) and restaurant deals that will make your stomach smile, Happy Valley has plenty of cheap thrills to keep you busy this summer without burning a hole in your pocket.